GIROPTIC, leading specialists in 360 imaging technology, announced today the GIROPTIC iO, a compact, portable camera attachment for the iPhone or iPad that allows people to capture, share and live stream experiences in fully immersive 360° images, seamlessly.

The GIROPTIC iO leverages the company’s patented real-time stitching technology and reliability of the direct smartphone connectivity to provide an unrivaled capture-to-playback experience with minimal latency. When connected through the lightning port, a companion app with simple in-app sharing tools allows users to capture and post 360 images and videos natively to compatible social platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, or broadcast live through YouTube’s live streaming platform.

“GIROPTIC iO simultaneously provides a user-friendly camera and a new platform of services,” said Richard Ollier, co-founder and CEO of GIROPTIC. “We’re creating a simple social sharing service and removing previous barriers such as complex editing, lag time, cumbersome processing and unoptimized compatibility with major social networks.”

By combining sleek, compact product design, advanced 360 imaging technology and a seamless software interface, the GIROPTIC iO provides an affordable, consumer-friendly user experience for capturing, sharing and live streaming what’s happening all around them in full 360 degrees.

“Our exclusive focus on 360° imaging has taught us a lot over the last eight years. We are excited to leverage that experience to bring to market a very user friendly solution to power user generated content around the globe,” said Pascal Brochier, President and COO of GIROPTIC.

The GIROPTIC iO will begin shipping on Jan. 17. It is now available for pre-order via the GIROPTIC website at www.giroptic.com for $249.00.